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Well it's 23 outside this morning and my feet got a little cold going out for the paper and taking the garbage out. Of course I go barefoot so that MIGHT have had something to do with it...;)

TOTD: Ok, so according to the eggheads at the NBER we are in a Recession and have been since Dec. last year. Now that we've all been "told" , is this going to make any difference in how you conduct your daily bizness???

Not going to affect much of our daily stuff. We're prudent fiscally and are probably
in better shape than 99% of the country. :p

TOTD: Recession really hasn't made much difference, but I do worry about all the contractors going out of business since my job involves working with them. Hubby is in a better place than he was last year so that makes up for any of my shortfalls.

Most of our happiness depends on our disposition not on circumstances.- Martha Washington

TOTD: No, not really. In general I try to be smart with my money. My mom claims that my thriftiness is an inborn Scottish thing ;) I will say that the current financial environment has resulted in a number of news reports about local food banks, which has had me decide to be really committed in donating to them regularly. I recently heard about a local group that harvests unpicked fruit from trees (with the owner's permission) of course, and donates it to the food bank. I think I'll go volunteer with them on my next free Saturday, or I'll go work at one of the local food banks.

While the National Bureau of Economic Research on Monday declared the U.S. to be in a recession since December 2007, some local bankers and Central Texas economic leaders say the greater Killeen area is not.

"Things would certainly indicate that the nation is in some type of economic down turn," said Jerry Conner, Copperas Cove Economic Development Cooperation executive director. "We are fortunate to live in Central Texas and even more fortunate to have Fort Hood here."

Conner said that the greater Killeen area, which has Fort Hood as its largest employer, is not struggling like other parts of the U.S.

Conner is not alone in believing that Fort Hood has a role in helping Central Texas maintain a better economic state than most communities.

A recession is typically caused by a lack of consumer confidence resulting in a lack of spending, said Keith Maxwell, Extraco Bank Regional president.

While Central Texas is seeing a softening in the housing market and retail, it is not because of a lack of confidence, Maxwell said. With Fort Hood as an economic engine, there are people, contractors and soldiers, who are not affected by worrying about payroll, he said.

Another reason the Central Texas economy is remaining strong is because Texas never got involved in some of the causes of the recession, such as the housing bubble on the East and West Coast, Maxwell said.

The bank president said the softening that the Central Texas economy is feeling is a natural progression of areas that have been effected by residential and economic growth.

"We are not generating the same sales volumes as we were last year or the year before, but at the same time our economy is continuing to move forward," Maxwell said. "It is a slowing of the growth."

"The true sign of the economy is that our retail figures have grown every month," Conner said.

However, Bobby Hoxworth, First National Bank Texas president, said there are some factors of the recession affecting Central Texas.

"Texas has been for the most part fairly insulated from that, but we are not isolated from the national tightening of credit," Hoxworth said.

People are also watching funds like 401(k)'s shrink and their stocks fall – this causes them to feel less prepared for the future, Hoxworth said.

He added, however, that the economy tends to grow and contract and consumer confidence and financial well being will start to be restored.

"I think I would rather be in Texas, and especially Central Texas, than any place in the U.S. right now, to face the recession," Hoxworth said. "I think we are well equipped to continue to grow as a community and a state."

The 21st century. The age of Smart phones and Stupid people.

It is said that branches draw their life from the vine. Each is separate yet all are one as they share one life giving stem . The Bible tells us we are called to a similar union in life, our lives with the life of God. We are incorporated into him; made sharers in his life. Apart from this union we can do nothing.

It's 50 F this morning! Of course, this freakish warmth is just sucking a big snowstorm our way and it might not hit 30 F tomorrow or the next day while the snow keeps up.

TOTD: It hasn't changed anything for me. My work isn't dependent on spending. We have a hiring freeze on but that's kind of normal. One of my BILs is in the trades and he's leaving his company to strike out on his own. Illegal immigration has depressed wages for so long that he figures he will do a lot better by himself and he's tired of watching his crews get laid off.

We're thrifty and cautious by nature and we don't have consumer debt. The house is close to being paid off. We'll be okay barring a zombie apocalypse. :)

Illegal immigration has depressed wages for so long that he figures he will do a lot better by himself and he's tired of watching his crews get laid off.

I know quite a few that say they see this in Las Vegas...the trades are begging for help...but won't hire you if you speak English. Of course on the job death and injuries are up on those job sties as well. I love a good Mexican thread....makes me hungry for fried ice cream. Does this mean Lanie will show up now?? :D

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It's a little chilly...nothing a few minutes of the space heater won't take care of. We have been having above normal temps, right now, it's 49 outside.

My mom is having surgery today in Las Vegas, so I wll be camped out at the hospital.

This will be her 3rd surgery since July, she's had a tough year. It now looks like they will keep her at least one night, so if she stays, I stay...I won't leave her there by herself. She spent most of the day yesterday throwing up. On top of the surgery, it's pretty much been one thing after another for her the past couple of months. When it rains, it pours! Then my sister calls saying they want her in NE for Christmas....WTF??

I just have to remember to have someone stop by and check on her cat....:D

TOTD: Day to day...no changes. In fact, seems like I am able to get more for my money now with all the deep discounts to attract buyers. I love a good deal. :p

So all this money people are saving by stiffing the banks on the house payment is being spent other places...so things should be great! Each one of these foreclosures usually results in someone not making payments for up to a year...so they are living rent free!